Immune System

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infectious organisms and other invaders.Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade body systems and cause disease.

It is well known that antioxidants support the immune system. Grapes, particularly their skins and seeds, are high in polyphenols which act as antioxidants.

When the association between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the immune system was examined, the experimental and clinical data support the conclusion that ethanol can modulate the immune system. On the one hand, a high intake of alcoholic beverages sup­pres­ses a wide range of immune responses, leading to an increased incidence of various infectious diseases. On the other hand, moderate drinking, compared to abstinence or abuse, may have a beneficial impact on the immune system. Polyphenol-rich alcoholic beverages such as wine most likely contribute further to the protective effect seen for moderate alcohol intake on CVD and the immune system.

The above summary provides an overview of the topic, for more details and specific questions, please refer to the articles in the database.

Social acceptance of drinking involves social and cultural roles and has important implications for public health. Since extensive evidence indicates that alcohol possesses immunomodulatory properties, scientists have recently debated the influence of alcohol consumption on the immune response, particularly in countries where drinking in a social setting is a part of cultural identity. Experimental and clinical data support the conclusion that alcohol is a potent immunomodulator. While high alcohol consumption suppresses a wide range of immune responses, leading to an increased incidence of a number of infectious diseases, moderate alcohol consumption may have a beneficial impact on the immune system, compared to alcohol abuse or abstinence, most likely due to the multiple components of polyphenol-rich alcoholic contributing to the protective…

Increasing evidence suggests that light to moderate amounts of polyphenol-rich alcoholic beverages like wine or beer could have health benefits. Scientists have long debated the effects of alcohol on immune function, showing on the one hand, that high doses of alcohol consumption can directly suppress a wide range of immune responses, and that alcohol abuse is associated with an increased incidence of a number of infectious diseases. On the other hand, moderate alcohol consumption seems to have a beneficial impact on the immune system compared to alcohol abuse or abstinence. Therefore, the link between alcohol consumption, immune response, as well as infectious and inflammatory processes remains not completely understood. With this in mind, it is important to realise that other…